In a heartbreaking turn of events, Ander Herrera, the renowned Spanish midfielder currently playing for Boca Juniors, left the field in tears just five minutes after being substituted into the match against Newell's Old Boys on March 30, 2025. The emotional exit came as Boca Juniors was already trailing 2-0, with Herrera visibly distressed as he walked towards the bench, signaling for a substitution without waiting for the official change to take place.
Herrera, who has had an illustrious career with clubs like Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, has faced a challenging time at Boca Juniors since joining the Argentine club as a free agent in January 2025. His tenure has been marred by injuries, limiting his appearances to just seven matches, during which he has yet to score or provide an assist.
In the match against Newell's, Herrera replaced Milton Delgado at halftime, returning to the pitch after missing the previous match due to muscle issues. However, his return was short-lived. Just five minutes into the second half, Herrera felt a pull in his leg while attempting to evade a defender and immediately signaled to the bench for a substitution, leaving Boca Juniors with ten players on the field as he exited.
The situation escalated for Boca after Herrera's departure when Edinson Cavani, another high-profile signing for the club, missed a penalty kick that could have brought them back into the match. The penalty, awarded after a foul on Cavani himself, struck the post, denying Boca an opportunity to reduce the deficit.
Coach Fernando Gago expressed concern over Herrera's condition, stating, "Tomorrow (Monday) he will undergo tests, and we will see how he is and what injury he has on Tuesday or Wednesday." This statement reflects the urgency surrounding Herrera's injury, as the midfielder has already dealt with multiple setbacks since his arrival in Argentina.
Herrera's emotional reaction on the field was a stark reminder of the struggles athletes face when injuries hinder their performance. The 35-year-old midfielder has been vocal about the toll that injuries have taken on his career, stating in a past social media post, "I am going through, without a doubt, the most difficult moment of my career. A little over a year ago I started having repetitive muscle problems from which I can't recover." This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who have seen the talented player’s potential stifled by physical setbacks.
Despite the frustrations, Herrera's supporters remain hopeful. Many fans took to social media to express their unwavering support, with one fan writing, "I support Ander Herrera wholeheartedly because he wants and feels like playing for Boca Juniors. He doesn't care. He's crying with anger for not being able to help his team. I love you so much, Ander. I hope you get better soon." Such sentiments highlight the strong connection between Herrera and the Boca Juniors fanbase, who recognize his commitment to the club.
The match itself was a tough outing for Boca Juniors, who fell to Newell's Old Boys 2-0, with goals from Luciano Herrera and Luciano Lollo sealing the victory for the home team. Boca's defeat means they remain in second place in Zone A of the Torneo Apertura, now trailing Tigre by one point.
Looking ahead, Boca Juniors will host Barracas Central next Sunday, April 6, 2025, at La Bombonera, where they will seek to bounce back from this disappointing result and regain their position at the top of the table. The team will need to navigate this critical juncture without their key players, including Herrera, as they aim to recover from the recent setbacks.
As the club prepares for the upcoming match, the focus will undoubtedly be on Herrera's recovery. The importance of his presence on the field cannot be overstated, as his experience and skill could be vital for Boca Juniors in their pursuit of the league title. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for positive news regarding his injury, as they understand that a fully fit Herrera could make a significant difference in the team’s performance.
In the world of football, injuries are an unfortunate reality that can derail even the most promising careers. For Ander Herrera, the journey at Boca Juniors is just beginning, and while the challenges have been daunting, the potential for a triumphant return remains. The support from fans and the club’s commitment to his recovery will play a crucial role in determining his future contributions to Boca Juniors.
